23 July 2024
The bath tub is often the centrepoint of the bathroom so its selection needs careful consideration. Oakleys Plumbing Supplies has been selling baths for 149 years!, so the team of experts there know exactly how to start the process.
What’s the first consideration when choosing a bath?
How you use a bath should be your first consideration. Do you want to sink down under bubbles? Do you prefer to sit up with your elbows out and a book on hand? Is it primarily for bathing young children? Do you have views you want to maximise? Should it be a one- or two-person bath?
The answers to these questions will determine the style of bath you need but also the shape and size, including the interior curvature.
What is the most popular style of bath?
Back-To-Wall baths are popular because they make effective use of space. They don’t have to be boxed in or waterproofed, usually have ledges for soaps and toiletries, plus there are many nice shapes to choose from.
Both the Tondo and Contro baths are best sellers. Their square edges means they fit nicely into corners and provide shelf space, while their interior curves make them comfortable to sit in. They make a good all round bath, suitable for bathing children but also for mum to take a soak once the littlies are in bed.
What about when you want the bath to be the feature of the room?
Freestanding baths can certainly be a stand out feature when space allows. Either centralised or just off the wall, a freestanding bath can be placed for the views or as an architectural feature. They allow for a floorstanding mixer, a feature in itself, and there are many bath racks that drape across the bath with room for phones, books and glasses of wine.
The Barcelona is an example of a luxurious bath, that is deep and curvaceous and will suit a range of home styles. Or take a look at the Vela, a bath made of recycled marble and designed to showcase a contemporary architectural aesthetic.
What are the newest trends in baths?
Soaking tubs were previously seen as a luxury item and unobtainable to many. However, there are now many varieties available and due to their upright nature they often have a smaller footprint than other baths and will fit into smaller spaces. There is a focus on soaking tubs in the ensuite to create a Zen type atmosphere, something quite separate from the children’s bath in the busy family bathroom.
Great examples are the Niagara Ofuro, a deep, immersive Japanese soaking tub, only 1200 wide but 950 high, and The Martha, a 19th century reproduction of a French, copper double ended bath with wide-lipped edges.
Round baths are also being shown a bit of interest lately, making a design statement and providing the ultimate bathing experience with plenty of room to move. But remember the bigger the bath, the more water required to fill them, which is a consideration if you are on tank water or need to preserve this precious resource.
Take a look at the Evok, a seamless round bath which is ergonomically designed, or the Taizu, a round bath with a design inspired by the fine porcelain designs of the Song Dynasty. The Zencha is a square-round bath with a small footprint and delicate edges.
Sounds like there are more finish options than just white, these days?
Baths can be just about any finish you like. There are baths made from concrete, copper, stone composites, volcanic stone, enamel on steel, even fiberglass composite. This diversity allows for sustainable choices in materials and manufacturing processes. Aesthetically it allows your bath to match or contrast other materials in the room, or even be the inspiration for the selection of other bathroomware and their finishes.
The sumptuous colours available in the Oasis stone bath are an example of how designers are experimenting with bath design right now.
Fluted finishes in baths are also becoming more regular. Mimicking the grandeur of ancient Doric columns, fluting can be seen in vanities, tapware and baths. The Riada bath demonstrates this new look, in three natural colours and with a toekick to allow for ease of floor cleaning.
And baths should definitely stay in the bathroom, right?
Definitely not! Baths in the bedroom and baths outdoors can be functional and make a design statement. Many baths are suitable for use outdoors, like the Cheshire claw foot Victorian bath with roll top edges. Before installing any bath outdoors but be sure to check with us first. Tapware for outdoor use is also available.
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